Robbie Keane's 5 best LA Galaxy career moments

LA Galaxy legend Robbie Keane announced his retirement from playing soccer professionally on Wednesday — putting an end to a 23-year career. In honor of his illustrious run, here are Robbie Keane’s top five moments as a player for the Galaxy.

5. Chip Goal Starts the Rout Against New York Red Bulls - 9/28/14
One of Robbie Keane’s most stunning goals came in a match against the New York Red Bulls on September 2014. Inside the penalty box, Keane was able to take a New York defender with his feet and found just the right angle to gracefully lift the ball up and over the goalkeeper to caress to the back of the net. This was just one of his many chip shots as a member of the Galaxy but it was one of the prettiest. The goal opened the floodgates as the Galaxy were victorious by a score of 4-0.

4. LA Galaxy Debut - 8/20/11
Keane’s first match with the Galaxy couldn’t have resulted in a better way for the fans — scoring a goal in his debut against none other than Cali Clasico rival San Jose Earthquakes. The Galaxy would end up defeating the Earthquakes 2-0 but it was Keane’s goal that set the tone. At the 21st minute mark, Keane capitalized on a defensive miscue by the Earthquakes, receiving a long ball from David Beckham, and beat the keeper to bury the ball on an open net. It was the first time he celebrated with his patented summersault at StubHub Center, a sight fans would see over and over again.

3. Keane Honors Irish Fan - 6/24/12
James Nolan was an Irish fan who followed the Republic of Ireland’s run in the UEFA Euro 2012. Nolan, unfortunately, passed away during the tournament but he was not forgotten. In the Galaxy’s match against the Vancouver Whitecaps in June 2012, Keane celebrated his goal by pulling out a jersey with the message, “RIP James Nolan.” Keane, being the captain and all-time scorer for his international club, played tribute to the late Nolan in a moment that lasted beyond the pitch that day in StubHub Center.

2. Game-Winning Goal in MLS Cup - 12/7/14
Probably the most important goal Keane scored for the Galaxy came in the 2014 MLS Cup match against the New England Revolution. With the game tied at 1-1 in extra time, Keane sealed up the Galaxy’s fifth MLS Cup in the 111th minute where received a perfect pass from Marcelo Sarvas and waited for the right moment before converting the game-winner. The Galaxy’s fifth title is league best, a record that still stands to date.

1. The Chip Against Chivas USA - 8/31/14
Keane’s historic chip goal against Chivas USA is his all-time favorite as a member of the Galaxy. A true wonder from start to finish. Starting with the ball near mid-field, turning quickly, dribbling past a defender, and floating a cheeky shot past the out-positioned keeper. The strike locked up the win for the Galaxy and the goal remains as one of the best in league history. One of Keane’s best finishes in his MVP season.

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